In the light of the Supreme Court’s observation regarding entry of women into the Sabarimala shrine, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has reiterated his Government’s stance in prioritizing the beliefs of the devotees.

“Temple rituals are based on age-old beliefs. The government will take this into consideration when apprising the Supreme Court of the State’s stance on the issue,” Chennithala said.

Devaswom Minister VS Sivakumar too gave an assurance that the government will take utmost care not to hurt devotees’ sentiments in any manner.

The Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the shrine emphasized that the restriction of entry to women in the age group of 10-50 was part of the custom and tradition of the shrine and that it should be continued.

While hearing a long-pending PIL, the apex court had deemed the said practice as unconstitutional, thereby triggering a furious debate over the same.